1980 Dodge Mirada vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1980 Dodge Mirada is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Dodge Mirada (146 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 811 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1980 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Dodge Mirada | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Mirada | Elan |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2440 mm |
